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Decibel 4 optimal for light floor structures

Decibel 4 is primarily produced to be included in the SoundSeal construction of light beams eg raw roofs where acoustic problems are usually large.

Decibel 4 - Our most effective product for light floor constructions

We possess more than 10 years of experience of the SoundSeal construction, utilising the dB3 mat as the most effective product in combination with a regulating course

Now we bring out the next generation acoustic mat for the SoundSeal construction on the market – Decibel 4. In spite of the fact that this mat is only 2 mm thicker (12 mm) than dB3 it offers a significant acoustic improvement of the level of impact sound as well as the level of insulation from airborne sound. The effectiveness of the dB4-mat is particularly suited to the lower frequency range. The qualities of the dB4 will therefore come in especially handy when the starting conditions are difficult e.g. old attics’ ceilings or new light wood floor constructions.

With dB4 we have a taken big step forward. Thanks to a new formula of the rubber composition and cellular structure, there is a greater ability of the product’s properties to absorb energy. We have also developed a new upper side (dB-backing) of polyester that replaces the old textron material we have used since the first production more than 22 years ago. The textron backing works splendidly but our new dB-backing offers even greater improvements. Partly it is more durable which makes it more hardwearing when handled roughly on building sites. The backing is also important in the SoundSeal construction. Firstly the mat must be watertight against “fabrication” water in the regulating course to ensure that it does not permeate the mat but at the same time it must not be vapourtight. The dB-backing takes these qualities to a new level to improve the result for the customer as well as the contractor that has to work with the product.

Efficient, Permanent and Flexible

Integrating the acoustic mat holds many advantages. Naturally one gets a permanent and very efficient acoustic remedy, but also one must not forget the flexibility the constructions provide.

Today it is common for floor constructions to be designed with acoustics in mind and combined with a projected flooring material. One example that can be mentioned is HD/F floor constructions that are coated with some type of concrete or regulating course which improves the level of impact sound by a few decibels. However, in combination with floating parquet flooring it is sufficient to meet the sound requirement.

But what happens if the flooring is changed at a later stage for one that cannot be installed as floating, e.g. clinker, linoleum, mosaic parquet etc? In this case the qualities of the muffling of the impact sound will be hugely impaired. To remedy this afterwards is often difficult when considering construction heights as well as costs.

Installing our Decibel mats before the regulating course is applied solves these problems. The SoundSeal construction offers greater flexibility and the choice of flooring material plays much smaller role since the sound improvement is already permanently installed into the basic construction.

Construction/Results

Decibel 4 - SoundSeal construction

As in the case of 3 decibel so based on design principles that a great mass resting on a "spring" which is represented by the Decibel 4 mat. The pulp is supplied by a leveling compound that is applied to the acoustic mat. The final solution means that the liquid floor layer's energy that is created when you walk on the floor or via external audio source, gets isolated by the decibel carpet and the sound energy, goes on into the body and gets greatly reduced.

To this floating floor layer not to come in contact with the walls, the carpet is folded up against the wall. The joints on the mat are pushed together and taped with our 75 mm wide dB tape.

The Decibel 4-mat has a unique upper side seal for process water in the screed during the drying period, while the future is not diffusion and therefore to some extent can breathe. If one wishes to protect the structure against moisture underlying moisture, we recommend an age-resistant plastic sheeting laid with overlaps against concrete. Primarily recommended plastic foil only where the excess moisture is present. Refer to the installation instructions.

The screed may be cementitious or plaster, but it is also possible to apply concrete, bedding mortar and lightweight concrete type EPS. Normally the 30 mm reinforced leveling above Decibel 3 to get full strength to prevail (based on standard grades). If the leveling compound with greater elasticity used, some minor adjustments to the thickness accepted. In case of uncertainty contact Aprobo or current supplier of the leveling compound for consultation.

SoundSeal design works well with underfloor heating and is usually installed when the heater hoses / cables towards the reinforcement and integrated into the screed. Contact the supplier for underfloor heating and screed for further instructions.

Normally, the coat is not thicker than 50 mm high-density products because of cost reasons. If thicker construction required built parts of the thickness usually up to lightweight concrete, which is a cheaper solution.

On the market there are a number of different makes and types of putty, then we encourage you to contact us for further information about our partners, and further technical consultation.

Acoustic result

Tests show Decibels 4 mat unique characteristic that lends itself very well in structures with low frequency problems, like tea x old attic. In comparative tests it has been found that DB4 mat often comparable to the double layer of DB3 mat despite their relatively low installation height, which saves height, time and money. Of course, each individual project is calculated based on their unique prerequisites.

Here is a chart that shows the difference in impact sound level between dB2,3 and 4. You can find the entire test attached under the "Files".

The acoustic reading is affected a great deal depending on the construction at hand. Data is available in the data baseBastian. Please, contact us for free consultation and calculation.

Laying instructions

Laying instructions Decibel 4

DECIBEL4 can be laid with a tape over the joints and that results in the mats’ not fully vapour tight backing being utilized. However it is sufficiently vapour tight to handle the fabrication water from various regulating courses. On sites where there is a risk for additional moisture the plastic film is recommended.

1. The mat is delivered in rolls measuring 1.37x8m (11m2/roll).

2. Unroll the mat and turn it over so the black side is turned up.

3. The edges must be carefully pushed together.

4. Turn up the mat carefully against the wall (approx. 50mm). It is important thatthe mat does not get a radius against the wall because the regulating coursemay become too thin.

5. Tape all the joints meticulously with our 75mm wide dB-tape or the correspondingwaterproof building tape. It is very important that the surface becomes waterproof.

6. The surface can be coated with a regulating course.

7. Finally all surplus of the acoustic mat is cut away along the wall at floor height.

If a vapour barrier is desired the mat must be laid according to the following instruction: